I'm an Editor—This Is Where I Secretly Shop for the Best Leather Pieces
Leather is a key trend for autumn/winter 2022, but then, it almost always is. As soon as the leaves start to fall and the air gets crisp, there’s just something about the rich tones of buttery leather pieces that feels wholly appropriate. It makes for such an easy way to transition your wardrobe into the new season—simply switch your jeans for leather trousers or light linen blazer for a sturdier, smoother leather version and Bob’s your uncle. So as we launch into September headfirst, I thought it would be a good time to let you in on one of my fashion-editor secrets: I always find the best leather pieces on the high street.
Of course, real leather is inherently a more premium fabric that comes with a matching price tag, so luxury pieces from designer labels can often start around the £700 mark. But on the Great British high street, you can still find some beautiful, top-quality (and even responsible) pieces from £100 and up.
So who’s doing it best this season? Well, let’s start with Mango, who without question has the most premium-looking leather edit on the high street right now, including some pieces using material approved by the Leather Working Group. From that timeless trench to the perfect trousers, my fellow editors and I haven’t been able to stop talking about our favourite pieces from the collection. M&S and Arket, known for doing the classics so well, never let me down either. I've owned Arket's leather blazer for a few years now, and it's still a favourite piece that's just getting better with age. And for more trend-led pieces, I always rate H&M and & Other Stories. Of course, there’s plenty of more affordable faux pieces available too that passersby would never guess weren’t the real deal, so I’ve included those in the edit of the best high-street leather buys below too.
Whether you prefer vegan or real, leather pieces make for great autumn/winter wardrobe investments that simply never go out of style. Keep scrolling to see and shop the more affordable (in the grand scheme of things) pieces you'll be able to pull out year after year.
1. MANGO
2. M&S
3. ARKET
4. & OTHER STORIES
5. H&M
Up Next: The 9 Most Expensive-Looking Pieces on the High Street This Week
Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for the Who What Wear brand.
Emily has worked for Who What Wear UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely with Who What Wear UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, team Who What Wear is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.
Prior to joining the Who What Wear team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.
When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.
Emily is currently on maternity leave.
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